Paterson, N.J. honors community members who stopped suspect in imam stabbing
PATERSON, N.J. -- The city of Paterson honored members of a local mosque who jumped into action after their imam was stabbed earlier this month.
The number of heroes seen on surveillance video are almost too many to count.
"We heard the imam screaming, 'Somebody is trying to kill me,'" said Manny Simrin Moneer.
Moneer recounted the harrowing moments congregants wrestled an armed man to the ground. He had been deep in prayer during an early morning service on April 9 when there was a loud commotion at the front of the room.
"We see this big guy running through the middle of the mosque with two knives in his hand," Moneer said.
Surveillance video shows the suspect, 32-year-old Serif Zorba, stepping over worshippers to get to 65-year-old Imam Sayed Elnakib, who he allegedly stabbed twice in the back. The suspect then tried to flee, but half of the mosque chased him down.
"He kicked the door, his foot was stuck, he lost balance. That time we grabbed him," Moneer said.
Paterson's mayor, along with other dignitaries, honored the heroic actions of dozens of worshippers Monday, commending their bravery in restraining the suspect who continued swinging at them with knives.
"You need a lot of courage in those emergency times to do such a deed, such an act," said Deputy Mayor Raed Odeh.
While the suspect was pinned down, some even asked him why.
"We asked him who the hell are you? Why are you doing this? He didn't say anything," Moneer said.
The imam is still recovering at home after being discharged from the hospital. CBS2 was told he's in good sprits and knows members of his mosque prevented the suspect from carrying out further damage.
"I wouldn't expect anything different. We stand shoulder to shoulder every day in prayer," attorney Abdul Hamdan said.
Even more so in times of danger.
At the ceremony, officials also celebrated the passing of a state bill designating January of each year as Muslim Heritage month.
